By Idahosa Musa
Medical and health workers at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), on Wednesday bid final farewell to their colleague, Dr Alex Ogunniyi, killed within the hospital by suspected gunmen last Friday.
Staff and other health workers of the hospital paid their last respect to the slain doctor at a commendation service held at UBTH in his honor.
The health workers called for urgent security measures to be put in place to avert a similar attack on doctors and other medical professionals in their workplace in the future.
Shortly after the commendation service, the remains of Dr Alex Ogunniyi were conveyed by families, friends, and colleagues to his hometown for interment.
On his part, Public Relations Officer of the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Joshua Uwaila on behalf of the management of the hospital, described the incident as unfortunate.
He confirmed that Dr Alex Ogunniyi was until his sudden death a physiotherapist with the hospital and expressed sadness over the killing.
He said that the management of the hospital has written to the Edo State Police Command and copied the Department of State Service to investigate and arrest his killers.
According to him, Ogunniyi was killed last Friday on his way to having his lunch in one eatery behind the hospital.
“A physiotherapist with the University of Benin Teaching Hospital was shot dead on Friday while on the way to have his lunch.
“It was gathered that a vehicle was chasing another. The one behind was shooting at the one in front, and a stray bullet hit the deceased in the neck. He was taken to the Accident and Emergency department, but he didn’t make it.
“We have written to the Edo Police Command and copied the DSS calling for investigation and the need to bring the killers to justice.”Uwaila said.
The development led to some health workers protesting the gruesome killing.
